Return of the Mount Hua Sect

“That….”

In fact, according to common sense, this situation makes no sense.

But when he looks at those big baby deer-like eyes, he can’t help but drop his lower lip.

“No….”

Each time he tried to muster the courage to speak, those sparkling eyes filled with moisture, making him lose his words.

Hyun Jong who couldn’t bear to look at the eyes murmured quietly, avoiding the gaze.

“I mean… I’d love to, but….”

Something felt amiss as if he couldn’t articulate his thoughts.

“B- Bongmun… has its rule, and to admit foreigners….”

The gloomy face sagged down even more. As he lowered his head, the round and shiny head was so clearly visible that Hyun Jong flinched again.

As Hye Yeon became discouraged, the disciples standing at the back quickly gave Baek Cheon cues.

Urged by their momentum, Baek Cheon cleared his throat and began to speak.

“That… Sect Leader. Of course, it is true that, in general, foreigners cannot enter a sect that is under Bongmun…”

He glanced at the gloomy Hye Yeon and continued his sentence,

“Hye Yeon is… We can’t say he’s an outsider of Mount Hua Sect, can we?”

“That’s right!”

“That’s right! Sect Leader! We’ve never thought of Monk Hye Yeon as an outsider!”

“Wouldn’t training together be beneficial? It’s so hard to find someone as strong as Monk Hye Yeon.”

The disciples shouted in unison.

Touched by the words of Mount Hua’s disciples, Hye Yeon turned to look back at them with a moved expression.

“Even if we’re to get hit, it’s better to get hit together!”

“With that guy’s tenacity, the punches that come our way would at least lessen by one hit.”

“I can’t stand to see him living comfortably alone outside.”

‘…Figures, These devil bastards.’

Whether out of goodwill or ill will, it was a fact that the disciples of Mount Hua were helping him.

“…Sect Leader.”

Receiving their support, Back Cheon resumed speaking.

“As Sect Leader knows, monk Hye Yeon has declared not to return to Shaolin. Of course that doesn’t apply forever, but doesn’t Sect Leader know too that it’s difficult for him to return to Shaolin in the current situation?”

“…That’s right.”

“Hye Yeon has lived in Shaolin all his life. If he can’t stay in either Shaolin or Mount Hua, he’ll have nowhere else to go. Considering his situation, could Sect Leader please make an exception this time?”

It was great logic and upright posture.

‘As expected of Sasuk.’

‘He’s really useful at times like this.’

The expression of the troubled Sect Leader, Baek Cheon’s confidence, and the pitiful back of Hye Yeon who looked like a wet puppy. The disciples had no doubt that these words would work.

That is, until a man who doesn’t know what compassion is appears along the way.

“Really….”

A crooked voice rang out.

At the voice that instinctively made the listener flinch, the disciples shrank in unison.

“How impressive has this sect become.” (it’s sarcasm)

“….”

What saddened the disciples was that the person who said this was not Chung Myung. Had it been Chung Myung, they would have tried to argue. Instead, someone who made it impossible to argue was glaring at them with a piercing gaze.

“E- Elder-nim…”

Hyun Young burst into a sarcastic laugh.

“The matter of Bongmun is one of the most significant decisions that a Sect Leader can make.”

“I- Indeed.”

“And yet second and third-class disciples dare to come and direct the Sect Leader to make exceptions? It seems Sect Leader had pampered you so much that you crossed the line, huh! How dare you group up on Sect Leader and tell him what to do?”

Mount Hua’s disciples lowered their heads even more.

In fact, they all knew that the statement was not entirely wrong. In other sects, the disciples wouldn’t even dare to speak up about such a serious matter as Bongmun.

“And when he treats you well, you take it for granted!”

As Hyun Young glared at them, the disciples almost prostrated themselves.

‘Whose idea was it to come to Sect Leader as a group?’

‘I think it was Jo-Gol Sahyung.’

‘Tell that bastard to stay after this is done. What? If we come in a group, Sect Leader won’t be able to ignore our plea? I’ll kill him, seriously!’

They had come as a group only to be scolded as a group.

Just when everyone was sighing in resignation.

Unbelievable words followed.

“I should have been the one to bring that up, not you kids!”

“….”

“Sect Leader.”

Incredibly, Hyun Young spoke deeply and respectfully.

“Law exists within the sect, but there are exceptions. Monk Hyeyeon has risked his life with Mount Hua multiple times. It’s not an exaggeration to say he’s a close friend and important guest of Mount Hua.”

“Umm.”

“So how about we make an exception this time and include him in the Bongmun?”

Mount Hua’s disciples opened their eyes wide in disbelief.

“Oh my gosh… Elder-nim?”

“I thought he would say that it would be better to have at least one less mouth to feed?”

“Of course, it doesn’t cost much because the monk only eats grass, but still…”

“No. Monk Hye Yeon eats meat, doesn’t he?”

“Be quiet, you punk!”

The disciples were whispering in surprise and slowly drew their attention to Hyun Jong.

Hyun Jong looked at Hyun Young with a somewhat uneasy face.

“If that’s the case, wouldn’t it have been better if you just didn’t come forward?”

“Procedure is an important rule. We have to follow the proper steps.”

“…Hnggg.”

Hyun Jong sighed deeply and spoke to Hyun Sang.

“Finance Elder.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

“Has there ever been a case in Mount Hua history where we enter Bongmun while having outsiders or guests?”

“…Mount Hua doesn’t have a history of entering Bongmun. Sect Leader.”

“….”

Great. That’s our ancestors for sure. They’re different from those Shaolin punks who casually seal gates whenever they feel like it!

N- No. That’s not the point right now.

“Then what about the other sect?”

“I don’t know that well….”

“…Is that so?”

It was indeed a difficult decision to make.

“Chung Myung-ah.”

“Yes?”

As always, Chung Myung is the best person to turn to when his head’s hurting.

“What do you think?”

“Hmm.”

Chung Myung agonized for a moment and looked back at Hye Yeon with his tongue clicked.

“By the rules, we shouldn’t, but…”

“….”

“Tsk. Just looking at him, if we left him there, he’d probably starve to death because he can’t even beg, so let’s just take him with us. If we just leave him as is, the beggar uncle will happily run over to take him in and feed him. I wouldn’t want to give the food I cooked to the dogs-.. no, to the beggars.”

“….”

“And my stomach would be upset too if that guy stammered back to Shaolin just because he’s hungry. I can’t stand to see others doing well. Yep.”

Hyun Jong smiled broadly.

Why is he always so consistently vile at heart? Always…

“But still, it’s Bongmun…”

“It’s not like we’re doing anything wrong, we’re just locking the gate to train. Who’s going to nitpick about it?”

“…Now that you say it, that does seem that way.”

“Also!”

At that moment, Chung Myung’s eyes flickered.

“If anyone is gonna make a fuss, it will be those Ten Great Sect bastards. But if those bastards have even a trace of conscience left, they shouldn’t dare to make trouble with Mount Hua. I dare them to give it a try. I’ll rush there that very day, pour oil, and burn their place down! I’m getting furious again now that I think about it! These bastards need to know how everyone is equal in front of fire…”

“Whoa, whoa. Chung Myung-ah, calm down.”

“Now, good boy.”

“Think of good things. Think of good things.”

“Huft! Huft! Huft!”

Chung Myung took several deep breaths.

“Phew. I’m calming down now.”

“Yes, thank god-…..”

“If there is someone who is making a fuss, we can just unseal the gates and destroy those bastards first, Sect Leader. In fact, I hope someone will stir up trouble.”

Yes, Chung Myung-ah.

This Sect Leader is so happy that that’s your calmed down state.

Perhaps this Bongmun is a blessing in disguise for Kangho. Since this unbridled horse… No, this unbridled Asura is locking himself in a cage.

“Anyway, then….”

Hyun Jong sighed and looked back at everyone.

“It seems everyone agrees, so let’s have monk Hye Yeon go with us to Mt. Hua.”

“Tha- Thank you, Sect Leader!”

“Good for you, monk! Let’s grind to death together now!”

“…I wonder if it’s something I should be happy for…..”

“Eiii, of course it’s something you should be happy for!”

“…Amitabha.”

Hyun Jong chuckled briefly and instructed.

“Then, now that we’ve made all the important decisions, please prepare. We’re leaving.”

“Huh?”

“Right now?”

Hyun Jong nods his head.

“As they say, strike the iron while it’s hot. There’s nothing good in taking more time. Since we’re at it, let’s go. Each day is crucial now.”

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

Mount Hua’s disciples rose without hesitation and rushed outside. They had to quickly get their stuff ready.

There was a small smile on Hyun Jong’s lips as he watched.

* * *

“Then we’ll be going.”

“Please take care.”

“See you next time!”

Mount Hua’s disciples bid farewell to the Tang Family, Nokrim, and even the pirates who were sending them off from afar.

“Tang Gaju-nim.”

Hyun Jong looked at Tang Gun-ak apologetically.

“I’m sorry things have come to this.”

“Do not apologize, Maengju-nim. I know this choice is for the benefit of everyone, not just Mount Hua Sect.”

“….”

“You can leave the rest to us. Isn’t a friend someone with whom you share each other’s burdens?”

Hyun Jong slightly closed his eyes at those words.

In the past, when Mount Hua Sect was on the verge of ruin, no one offered a helping hand. But now it’s different. We have people who are willing to take the initiative and share our burden. We have friends.

Next to him, Hyun Young was entrusting related matters of Plum Blossom to Im Sobyong.

“Please take good care of it.”

“Don’t worry, Elder-nim. I’ll send the ledgers to Mount Hua once every three months.”

“There’s no need to go that far.”

“It’s good to be certain about everything. How could one be at ease entrusting money to bandits? Don’t worry. There won’t be a single coin missing.”

“…Thank you for your consideration.”

Im Sobyong approaches Hyun Young and whispers quietly.

“…Isn’t there someone who will come after me and threaten to kill me if I make even one mistake?”

“That’s true, too. Kekekek.”

Sharing a smile, they each took a step back.

“Then, see you next time.”

When Hyun Jong saluted in front of him, everyone in unison bowed back toward those who remained.

“We’ll see you again!”

“Please take care of the Yangtze River!”

“We’ll get so strong that you won’t recognize us!”

“Take care!”

When Mount Hua’s disciples enthusiastically sent their farewells, those who remained responded with hearty laughter.

“Alright!”

Mount Hua’s disciples bowed their heads and turned around.

Tang Gun-ak stamped lightly as the group slowly moved away from the Yangtze River.

“Huh?”

When Mount Hua’s disciples turned around, Tang Gun-ak extended his hand forward. In line with him, all the remaining pirates of the Yangtze River saluted altogether.

“Good luck!”

A loud shout was filled with warmth. Mount Hua’s disciples firmly clenched their lips.

An answer is needless. They already bade their farewell.

They simply turned their heads back and hastened their steps.

“…They’ve gone.”

“Yes, they have.”

Im Sobyong, nodding, glanced at Tang Gun-ak and asked.

“Why are you smiling?”

Tang Gun-ak, whose lips had been slightly curled up, cleared his throat and adjusted his expression.

“Because I’m already looking forward to it.”

“Pardon?”

His gaze was fixed on the distant disciples of Mount Hua.

“When they unseal their gate and come out, I can’t help but wonder how much they’ll have grown.”

Im Sobyong also nodded. He certainly agreed with those words.

“We’ll have to work hard. To avoid seeing the demon running toward us with his eyes rolled back after their Bongmuin. We can’t handle him even now, by that time…”

“…That’s a little scary, too.”

Tang Gun-ak smiled and watched Mount Hua’s fading figures until the very end.

‘I’ll be waiting.’

The day when those who have grown up will come back.

The world will truly remember.

The names Mount Hua and Heavenly Comrade Alliance.